The worst-kept secret in the CSRA is that Trader Joe’s is expected to build a standalone store directly behind the Columbia County Performing Arts Center, with the building facing North Belair Road.
Cal Wray, the leader of the Augusta Economic Development Authority, says Trader Joe’s even looked in Richmond County a while back and decided against it. He says that Columbia County officials not being specific on active projects is not unusual. He doesn’t comment until there is a signed agreement. A Columbia County spokesperson said, not only is the deal not signed, but Trader Joe’s will announce the location once it’s ready.
Sources tell ABD, Trader Joe’s will open a store on this three-acre lot behind the CPAC, and near a soon-to-be-constructed events center, The Premier Apartment complex, and a shopping center with a coffee shop, Japanese restaurant, a spa, and more.
Longtime commercial developer and realtor Don Lawrence of DC Lawrence Real Estate says if this is Trader Joe’s location choice, the store should do well. “That site is an excellent location for a Trader Joe’s. Just like the Performing Arts Center, it’s easily accessible from all directions, has an ever-increasing daily traffic count on N. Belair Rd., and is in close proximity to the County Courthouse and Government complex. The area also has a comparatively high median household income.”
ABD emailed with Nakia Rohde, the PR person from Trader Joe’s headquarters in California, and asked when Trader Joe’s will open in Evans and where.
“The answer is we don’t have a confirmed location or timeline.“I can’t share an average timeline from plans to open; it varies widely from neighborhood to neighborhood.”
One source tells ABD he’s heard it will be 2027 for the Grand Opening.
So, what should shoppers expect?
“From unique foods and beverages that you won’t find anywhere else to daily staples like milk, eggs, and bananas, Trader Joe’s offers a wide selection of both domestic and imported products, all of which have been approved by the Trader Joe’s tasting panel.”
Ms. Rohde also gave the impression that Trader Joe’s will be a big supporter of the Golden Harvest Food Bank and others.
“As a neighborhood grocery store, every Trader Joe’s store donates 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to enjoy to a wide range of food banks and food recovery agencies, seven days a week.”
On Tuesday night at the government meeting, Columbia County Commission Chairman Doug Duncan responded to all of the Trader Joe’s rumors with a carefully worded statement that he read.
“The Development Authority of Columbia County, in close coordination with the Columbia County Board of Commissioners, is pleased to confirm that we have been actively engaged in ongoing discussions with Trader Joe’s regarding their expansion into our community. Our teams are working collaboratively with the retailer to identify and secure a premier location within Evans that meets their specific operational needs and serves the best interests of our residents. We recognize the high level of community enthusiasm for this brand and remain committed to fostering an economic environment that attracts top-tier retail partners to Columbia County. Further details regarding specific sites or opening timelines will be shared as soon as they become available and are finalized by all parties.”
Cal Wray from the Augusta EDA says in many cases, EDA offices can offer some incentives to sweeten the deal for manufacturers or even retailers. Wray says it’s likely Trader Joe‘s will receive some property tax abatement on real and personal property, and there may be some help the County government can provide in terms of infrastructure, with water and sewer lines and utilities.
He says Trader Joe’s cannot qualify for job tax credits because of the affluence of Columbia County, where companies can qualify in Richmond County because it is one of the poorest 40 counties in Georgia.
Stay with Augusta Business Daily to keep updated on this story as an official announcement could be coming soon.
